Where did the taste go?

This is not my first time here; however it is my 2nd disappointment when ordering the tasting menu. I made the reservations as a surprise wedding present for friends who were en-route from Geneva to their honeymoon in Cabo and stopped in a layover  for 22 hours in NYC; and who always wanted to visit Daniel. We got the tasting menu, an 3 bottles of wine selected by the Sommelier to accompany our dishes.

The point of visiting a place such as Daniel, is for you to try things that you would not everywhere else. Selecting its tasting menu should be an explosion of flavors that only gets better as the evening continues. However out of all the courses, only two were good; one of these been the amuse (not part of the tasting menu the other the lamb which was perfectly executed.  There were numerous dishes that were  unimpressive, such as the bland arctic chard and few that were outright over powering with so many entwined flavors like the Scottish langoustines that you could not appreciate the minuscule langoustine pieces itself .  The highlight of the night were the selection of cheeses course right before dessert. If I may say so, this has been the best selection outside of Europe I have had thus far; the fun fact? most cheeses were from the North-East region of the country! Also their Beer ice cream was to die. 

The bread! now that's a selection I could eat all day & night. They are baked freshly from their own bakery, and the top ones (for me at least) were the sweet garlic rolls , the olive rolls

 I do have to say or server (who name escapes me) as well as the sommelier were a true gem, who made our dinner a much better experience. 

Perhaps I just happened to choose an off night (twice); we all have them, even the chefs at Daniel; however it cannot erase the fact the it was a  truly disappointing experience for a place named on the top 13 most expensive & tastiest menus in America. 

We met with dear friends who made it a point to have a 22 hour layover in NYC to meet us, and that's what really mattered. In the end, our evening was a fun one, and we created experiences that only we know how

Until the next time we meet!

XO

Little Man is One!

I always talked about my nieces, how much I adore and do anything for them. But today I am taking a chance to talk about the main  boy my first & only godson who's turning the big one. It is amazing how a year goes by in a blink of an eye. It seems like it was only yesterday when he was born and we were at the church for his christening. 

Baby boy & nina at church prior to the christening

Alas, my chunky monkey is growing, and I cannot wait to see what he does and becomes as he takes each first step in this life. So here's to my little man Logan Alexander; may life be everything you dream of; and remember Nina loves you to the moon & back!

It mustache been his 1st Bday bash!

unconditional love 

Jamming To The Beat in MoBay

Jamaica, vibrant island filled with laughter, music & amazing jerk!

Freshly returned from a long and well deserved weekend from the Island of Mr. Marley and I cannot wait to go back.

 Its people, its food, its drinks, its temperature, its everything is a dream. Our hotel was amazing

Although on the pricier side the Iberostar Grand Rose Hall hotel, and adults only all inclusive resort is amazing. from its employees, to the rooms it is worth every penny. Here's is what you get for what you pay:

• Personal-private 24hrs butler service
• Top quality restaurants
• Private-adults only beach
• Your own beach as well as pool cabanas
• and an amazing staff ( make sure to look for precious & shorty they are the bests!)

Do not forget to venture out into town and pay a visit to Scotchie's so you can have the most authentic and delicious jerk chicken you would ever try; or hit the Beach Hut, so you can have a freshly caught fried fish while you soak your feet at the shore.
let's not forget the Iberostar Grand Hall provides you with free shuttles to each of these locations.

Until meet again!
XO

Who Rule the World? Girls!

Tomorrow Manala Yousafzai turns 16 years old, but instead of celebrating it with a grand party as we are accustomed to, she will delivering a set of education demand which were written by youth to the United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-Moon.

Who's Manala you may ask? She is the Pakistani child who was shot by the Taliban back in 2012; Manala was only 14 then and returning from school along other classmates. After her horrific ordeal, Manala has come up stronger than ever, and is fighting harder, and speaking  for the more than 60 millions kids around the world who are not partaking on education. Manala courageously speaks for thousands, if not millions of girls of her own country who are desperate to be able to attend schooling but cannot for whichever reason.

I believe in the right to an education, I believe in the freedom of been able to make that choice, and I am blessed I live in a country, and a culture in which women are treated equal as men. Many girls who live in many of the countries that encompass the middle east do not. Research shows that in many areas / cities of the world  (Pakistan for example) only 1 in every 5 students is a girl. Reasoning for this you ask? there are many! Some girls might live in areas where there are no schools, or the fees are so high that in some circumstances parents can only afford to send one child to school and boys are the favored ones. However the main reason is because girls are discriminated due to their gender and denied even a basic education.

How would you feel; if you were not able to have such simple yet significant right to education? If it was stripped from you just because of your gender? Join Manala Yousafzai and many others on the fight to end Women Education Discrimination. We cannot all standwith her on the United Nation Floor, but we can all show we stand by her by signing the letter to the Secretary -General Ki-Moon. Signing this will show your support and demand for education rights around the world. Its easy and non time consuming, by clicking Stand with Manala you can make your voice heard.

On a separate note,  Golbal Citizen Organization is a great organization who also support s the Stand With Manala Cause. Every year the give a free concert in the CP great Lawn to not only thank its members for the great effort they make but to also bring awareness to the various causes they represent around the world. If you join, you can earn points whcih can be cashedin for ticket to the concert, trust me its a great event, Check them out!

Until next time!!

XO!

Falling in Love with Krakow

Poland was not entirely in our mind where travels was concerned, yes I wanted to see the main cities and its surrounding history, but for no longer than 2 days. However 2 of our besties were getting married in Krakow and doing it Polish style for 3 days. So hubby and I decided we would spend 5 days in Krakow; and below is a peak to our experience.

Eric & Alicia Wedding in the Market Square!

There was a time in which Krakow was a very populous city. It harbored a medley of cultures from Gypsies to Jews & Catholics; this all came to an abrupt stop during the years of Nazi occupation and its infamous Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.

Auschwitz-Birkenau 

Krakow is not only one of the oldest city but one of the most culturally as well as political cities within Poland. It is city that beams with restaurants / cafes / pubs / and amazing people which make Krakow the new Eastern Europe Bohemian Capital. Krakow is a party city, perhaps this is due to the many (and I mean many) universities that surround it, bringing in thousands of young blood into its many neighborhoods? However Krakow also is a city full of history.


Their Market Square which seats in the middle of the city its full of life (day & night) with its magnificent cafes, flanked by St. Mary's Basilica will provide you with vast entertainment. Other famous areas such as the Kazimierz (Jewish Ghetto) District and Podgorze district will not only feed your belly but also your mind.

 St. Mary's Basilica & The Market Square 

 One of the many Obwarzanki olish Bagel) stands


Krakow has its fault, and it can be melancholic city because of its dark chapters in history; yet needless to say, it is a rewarding place to visit. I felt in love with it, its people, its hearty food, beers, and definitely its Vodka.

So make time and visit Amazing Krakow.

Nostrovia!!!

XO

International Women Day!

Today is the International Women Day.
I know there is at least one woman who in her own way have taught you something valuable and served as an inspiration, which in turn has helped you become a better and stronger woman, and even how to enjoy those unexpected moment in life. I have been blessed to have a dew of them enter my life and in one way or another have help me navigate this world with a smile always on my face. so today I want you to help me celebrate her and all the women of this planet who have inspired & helped you be a stronger woman today!

To the women in my life, I say keep on being inspirational to me and many others!

Bring on the Suffle!

Souffles are one of the most scary desserts to make, but they could not be easier to do, trust me!
If you have not given it a thought, I encourage you to give it a try,  and use the recipe I found at I Breathe... I'm Hungry... a blog full of delicious low carb & gluten free recipes that would make you hungry just by reading them!
SO last night I tried the recipe at home and although the top was a bit crisp (hence why not my own pics) it was totally delicious, so much that hubby asked me if it was a pre-mixed package (as if!) AND you know what the best part was? they are only 57 calories; which is great because due to our hectic schedule we tend to eat quite late at home (7:30pm-9pm) and try to make it as healthy as possible without forgoing flavor; we are a culinary - hospitality home after all!

Raspberry -Molten Chocolate Souffle picture from www.ibreatheimhungry.com

This also would be the perfect dessert for a girls night in event, it would go perfectly with some Cava or Prosecco. You would be the low-carb-delicious dessert goddess!

Let me know how it comes out for you, perhaps your top would not be as crispy as mine?? lol

Get the recipe here!

Until next time!

XO

A Day of Tuscan Food

Many times we (hubby & I) like to re-live certain times/memories from our previous vacations by re-creating a dish, and this time around we were feeling a bit nostalgic about Tuscany.

The Tuscan region is known for its deep rooted history of wine & food, and one of our most memorable dishes was at a small organic farm and vineyard called Fattoria Poggio Alloro whilst overlooking the wonderful vines and San Gimignano in the distance. We had an amazing freshly made Tagliatelle with a Rabbit Ragu (yes Rabbit) and an organic Chianti which I proceeded to buy large quantities to bring home of. I truly recommend you stay here at least for a night, it is quite the experience!

 Click Here for Fattoria Poggio Alloro Site

So, here we are with our last bottle of the Vin Santo Chianti, and the idea of re-creating the dish came to life. Now, I wish I could say I had anything else to do besides running the dough by our pasta maker lol but we all know this is the hubby forte while mine is eating it all.

We did not have Rabbit, but made our version with a few lovely pieces of short ribs we had a day prior. Wait, does helping shred the beef for the ragu counts as creating the dish? If so I guess I did!

It as an amazing cold Sunday afternoon meal which reminded us of the wonderful adventure we lived under the Tuscan sun - even if only for a few days.

Here's a simple yet delicious homemade Parppadelle & Beef Ragu Recipe

 

So tell me, do you have any memorable dishes to share?

Until next time!

XO

My Brother's Milestone: The big 3-0!

Do I have a brother? If we go by the traditional standards I guess no, I do not have a blood (nor adopted) brother; however I do have what I call soul brother. He's has been one of my oldest and best friend; his name you ask? Oscar aka  "mi chicquito" (my little one) which is my nickname to him as his is "flaka" (skinny) for me. 

You see, our story began  when we were 12 yrs old, at 9am right on the 703 Classroom at I.S. 302. We had both just arrived to this new and fascinating country known as New York (back in the island the rest of the US does not really exist much) we have navigated H.S College and adulthood life and our story has not yet reached its final chapter; one I pray /wish /hope never reach us.

Like brothers and sisters, we have argued, stop talking (if only for a day) and done many an antic to keep count or talk about in our lives. However the one constant is that we can count on each other no matter the distance or the time.

So, on his special day his wife; (who's my cousin by the way) and the "crew" made sure we celebrated such an important day on the life of such an important friend, father, brother, & hubby.

Of course, no get together of ours can miss delicious food and wine (lots) oh yes and the infamous Karaoke Machine - Yes that's me and my cousin singing our hearts out on the bottom.

I cannot deny that in the friendship pool, I have been dealt a great hand; I hope you my friends were dealt the same if not better hand than mine!

Until we meet next time!
XO

Labor Day Delights!

Happy Labor Day to all!
Hope you all had a great long weekend, I know I did :o)

We celebrated early this year with an impromtu Lobster-Crab Bake all by the hubby. We invited only a handful of friends and embark to celebrate our hard worked year with lots of eating, drinking and laughing!

Saturday could not be more perfect of a day (after 4pm that is) and even thought I was eaten alive by moskitos during the evening, I can say it was all in fair trade to the delectable food produced.

As much as I love to eat lobster and crabs, I was very clear that we should not boil them inside as to not permiate the house with such aromatics which would have been impossible to remove. Thank god for such creative hubby and our friend sisco who brought what he calls his "outdoors kitchen" the propane gas stove on the picture below! this way, everything was cooked outside and there were no messes inside!

After such grand feast, the girls and I decidedto take a walk around the neighborhood, but made sure we brought the 1/2 of the French Macarons to keep us company lol

Food, Fun, & Friends

Once a month, we gather a few of our friends set the table up and prepare ourselves to enjoy an evening full of food, fun, and friends. Every time is a different scene, and this past month it was a "American Bounty" as I called it. We had dry aged steaks, potpie, creamed spinach, and even onion rings! Of course, there was wine. Plenty of wine!

For us, these dinners are a way to talk about the life we lived in the past month, joke, relax, and reconnect with our friends whom because of our daily hustle and bustle are unable to do so as often; and also to let the hubby creative juices flow with his cooking techniques.


So tell me, how do you reconnect with friends?

Taking the New Decade in Stride!

Happy 29th Birthday (again) to Moi!



Delicious Dominican Cake

 So the big 3-0! have arrived, and to be honest, I welcomed them more willingly than I expected. It means a new year has began, and with it (I hope) a clean slate. The past year has not been the greatest one, and I figure that if it started around my birthday last year, it should end around it this year no?? - here is to hoping!

The Brunch Theme celebration was a true testament of who/what I like. There is always an excuse for me to get the girls together and head out to brunch. It is one of the type of restaurant get together I enjoy the most. I mean what better excuse than to drink on a Sunday at noon than heading out to brunch?! So the hubby brought brunch to me. There was an omelet, Crepes, and Waffle station, and an array of other savory deliciousness as well as his famous crab cakes. Oh let me not forget the "Sweets Table" which was every kid and adults dream which included French Macaroons, cheesecake and cake pops and many many more!




 

I have a great family, an amazing hubby and an extraordinary set of friends who have stood by me more than what was expected or asked of them - so do I consider myself to be blessed, even after everything that has happen?  Yes; I can honestly say I'm very blessed in this life.



So here is to taking this new decade in stride. Let's see what new and exciting adventures awaits me!

Until next time!



"Sunday Dinners"

Yes I married a chef... No; he's not the one cooking every single (if any) meal. It is the perception that a chef; who's passionate about his craft does spend his free time whipping some delicious meals at home right? well you are WRONG! lol

I do 99.9% of the cooking at home, and at first DH (dear hubby) excuse was that our kitchen was not up to par with what he's used to, and once we renovated and got a new stove it would be different. OK, let's get one point clear in here; as much love as I have for food, and I've been told I can cook a mean meal I am not a kitchen lover. I only started cooking once I left the comforts of my mommas house and do it cause my DH does not like to eat what he cooks. Back to the story LOL, so I caved in and decided to not only update the kitchen, but to provide him not only with the stove/hood he wanted but the fridge / dishwasher / etc he had chosen as well. By the way we did everything (with the exception of gas conversion) ourselves :o)



The before (during construction)





The after



If you think DH kept his promised, let me tell you he did so; BUT only for a month or two. I had to re-learn how to time my rice so it didn't burn; how to cook at a faster BTU (which I now love, love, love) and at the same time hear him preach about having to clean "his lady" (the stove) quick so the oil wouldn't stick to it.

So I came up with a plan, let's do "Sunday Dinner" we usually invite a coupled friend(s) over mostly my cuz Jenn and her DH Oscar (who happens to be one of my bff since 7th  grade) and my adorable god-daughter Zani. Arvin (DH) then comes up with simple & delicious master pieces for early dinner that leaves us always wanting more, more, more! There are some Sundays in which I become the chef and whip some Dominican staples. BUT I am happy to say that most Sunday dinners are by DH :o)

Below are a few pics of both of our creations during Sunday dinners:



Aged steak with a coffee rub, garlic and olive oil
tossed pasta with goat cheese and garden picked zucchini



Aged steak quesadillas with homemade salsa

Chimis: (Dominican style burger) with picked cabbage,
homemade beef patty. Passion fruit juice

Vegetarian delight: veggie dumplings with a soy-ginger broth
and enoki mushrooms

A true Dominican meal: white rice, fried chicken with picked onions on top, beans, avocado, and yuca fritters

Dominican style deep fried whole fish

Pasta tossed with Porcini mushroom, in a garlic-red pepper sauce 

Tomatoes from our back yard with shaved Parmesan, olive oil, sea salt.